Luna Muna:

by Kellie Gerardi, Allyson Wilson (Illustrator)

“Perfect book for aspiring astronauts! …It’s imaginative and sparkly and fun—like stepping into a child’s dream…This is the perfect gift for any little kid who loves space and may want to be an astronaut one day!” — Amazon review #1 New Release in Children's Space Exploration A fun new book that teaches your child about outer space.
Meet Luna Muna. Luna Muna is a curious young girl who loves outer space. In fact, she’s going to be an astronaut one day! One night, after wishing on a shooting star, Luna Muna discovers a secret when she wears her special sparkly space helmet, she can float just like the astronauts in space! After bedtime, Luna Muna blasts off on a wild adventure and discovers that while space is very exciting, her home on Earth is pretty special too.  
Learn all about outer space with your children. Luna Muna is a read-out-loud book for parents and young children. Luna is a precocious little girl with big dreams. Through her vivid, relatable character, you can nurture your child's curiosity about life as an astronaut.
Read Luna Muna with your child and help them
If your child loved Moon! Earth’s Best Friend , If You Had Your Birthday Party On the Moon , More Than A Princess, or Mousetronaut , they’ll love Luna Muna . Also, be sure to check out Kellie Gerardi’s memoir Not Necessarily Rocket Science , an Amazon #1 Bestseller in Astronomy & Space Science and Universe.

Genres: Picture Books, Science Fiction, Childrens, Space, Science Fiction Fantasy

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 22, 2022

Reviews

[Miranda Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

"It was the perfect night, a million stars in the sky. Perfect for a future astronaut like me."

Luna is called in by her mother and just as she's about to leave the backyard, she spots a shooting star and makes a wish:

"I wish I could fly to space!" I whispered.
I waited patiently. Nothing happened.

Disappointed, Luna goes to bed...but as she's drifting off, something strange begins to happen.

Something felt funny. "Holy guacamole!" I yelled. I was floating!

And so begins Luna's very first space adventure.

I think this one was just okay. In all honesty, I picked it up because the girl on the cover reminded me a bit of Luna Lovegood.

I liked the illustrations and the concept, the story just fell a bit flat for me - I think the first person narration made the sentences feel too stiff and blocky as I read it aloud.

That being said, if you have a kid who loves space, I could definitely see them loving it!

[Isabel Schmieta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am such a fan of Kellie Gerardi and the message she puts out as a role model for girls everywhere. While I wish Luna Muna had featured a bit more scientific insight, since that is Kellie's main focus for her platform, I enjoyed this wonderfully immersive read nonetheless.

[Syntha Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adorably illustrated, great for a bedtime story

[Adrianne Rosal · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you find a book that has it's namesake in it you grab it!!!! Thank you auntie Torey!!!

[Margo C · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the book Luna Muna by Kellie Gerardi and illustrated by Allyson Wilson. I read this book for my graduate course in Children's literature. I found this book recommended by Kirkus. Luna Muna is a newer children's fantasy/ science fiction picture book that is part of a 2 book series. Luna Muna is about a curious little girl who loves outer space. She wants to be an astronaut when she grows up. After wishing on a shooting start that night, Luna discovers she has a “secret power” when she wears her special sparkly space helmet and can float just like astronauts in space do! After bedtime, Luna Muna blasts off on an imaginative adventure to make fun discoveries in space. The most beautiful discovery was when she was able to see Planet Earth. Wilson created vibrant illustrations that give cartoon impressions with beautiful watercolors and vivid detail with every zigzag line and curve. The Author Kellie Gerardi has a lot of background knowledge on space as she is an astronaut, researcher, and popular science communicator. She is one of the world's first payload specialists to fly on a commercial spacecraft and one of the first 100 women in space. Recently in November of 2023, Kellie flew on Galactic 05, a sub-orbital spaceflight operated by Virgin Galactic, and she read “Luna Muna” aloud from the International Space Station. Although the author has extensive knowledge on space, this book doesn't give clear understandings of the scientific and technical space concepts. It is pure science/space fantasy. This book could be used for 2nd graders during a read aloud or for science when exploring a space unit. Another activity to strengthen comprehension is to focus on making predictions by having students practice using their schema and text and picture clues.

[Jane S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Luna Muna on scholastic's website as a great sci-fi picture book for children! Luna Muna is a young girl who loves space. One night as she is sleeping, after wishing on a shooting star to fly to space, her space helmet lights up and she puts it on and begins floating up to her bedroom ceiling, out the door, and into space. Luna Muna goes on a wild adventure through space while sharing facts and pictures about the planets, the moon, and being an astronaut. The pictures are bright and colorful and show the beauty of outerspace. This is a great read aloud book for an elementary classroom or for any child who wants to learn more about what else is out there or how to be an astronaut. Luna Muna is a sweet, curious, relatable character that helps make this large topic more approachable for younger minds.
I purchased this book through scholastic.com and added it to my classroom library.

[Libby Forgues · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illustrator: Allyson Wilson
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dragonfruit (February 22, 2022)
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 164250694X

This charming story about a girl who dreams of becoming an astronaut and loves space is perfect for children of all ages, thanks to its exquisite illustrations. When Luna dons her unique glittery space helmet and finds she can float like astronauts in space, she realizes she has a "secret power"! Luna Muna blasts off on an imaginative adventure to make fun discoveries in space. Author Kellie Gerardi is an astronaut, researcher, and popular science communicator, therefore she has extensive prior knowledge in space.

[Courtney Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was quite good. It is about a little girl who wants to be an astronaut one day. She wishes on a shooting star and asks to fly to space and she discovers a secret power. She realizes when she puts on a sparkly helmet she finds on her nightstand she can float like astronauts in space. This book is good for children because it teaches them to have dreams and to dream big. I enjoyed this book and thought it was cute and entertaining.

[Emilee Ireland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a cute book! Luna wants to be an astronaut, which I feel teaches kids to follow their dreams and that they can do whatever they want. It has that enchanting element as well when she her wish of going into space comes true after wishing on a shooting star, which I think kids would really like. Also teaches about space!

[Giavanna Angelilli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luna Muna by Jennifer S. R. Koffman is a whimsical, heartwarming tale about a young girl named Luna who embarks on a magical adventure. Through vibrant illustrations and a captivating story, Luna learns valuable lessons about self-discovery, friendship, and the power of imagination. A delightful, inspiring read for children and families alike.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luna Muna is a whimsical and captivating picture book that takes young readers on an imaginative journey through the cosmos. With vibrant illustrations and an engaging storyline, it beautifully combines education and entertainment to inspire a love for space exploration in children.

[Kenzie Hulsey]

Luna Muna by Kellie Geradi was published in 2022 this is under the science fiction section of our book log and it is suitable for ages 4-8. This book follows a girl along her journey through space while introducing the reader space as well 4/5

[Korteney Farriols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luna Muna is a charming STEM themed picture book that inspires curiosity and confidence in young readers (ages 4–8). With vibrant illustrations and an engaging story, it’s perfect for classroom discussions about space and exploration.

[Annie MacPherson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Illustrative style gives the impression that the book dervices from a Kids TV show. Not necessarily a bad thing!

[Tabby Tomlinson]

This book follows Luna Muna on her adventure through space. This is a fictional children's book that teaches readers about space. It would be good for students interested in being an astronaut.

[Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Kellie Gerardi but I think this is a classic case of just because you CAN write a children's book doesn't mean you SHOULD.

[Epifania Rita Gallina · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adorable story about dreaming and going for your aspirations as a kid. A lovely story about wanting to become an astronaut.

[Victor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

[Aspen Nowak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations!